Music Director Jesse “Scooter” Wheeler, left, speaks with Program Director Trevor Klopp in the studio of RadioX, St. Cloud State University’s new student-run ’90s alternative music low-powered FM station. Photo by Anna Kurth
St. Cloud State’s KVSC 88.1 FM will be recognized for its contributions to the local arts community with the 2015 St. Cloud Arts Award from the St. Cloud Arts Commission on Thursday at the Lemonade Concert and Art Fair.
“We are thrilled to receive this award from the city of St. Cloud,” said Jo McMullen-Boyer, station manager. “This award reflects the station’s mission of connecting St. Cloud State students, alumni and community volunteers with Central Minnesota in very tangible ways.”
KVSC started broadcasting in 1967 and has deeply rooted itself as a part of the St. Cloud community thanks to diverse programming, arts reporting and the 50-hour trivia weekend contest.
“The St. Cloud Arts Commission is honored to present KVSC 88.1 FM the 2015 City of St. Cloud Arts Award in recognition of its contributions to the arts in our community,” said Jennifer Penzkover, Arts Commission coordinator.
In addition to its own programming, KVSC has helped diversify the St. Cloud area’s radio options. The station worked with the St. Cloud Area Somali Salvation Organization to create a web stream St. Cloud Somali Radio.
“When you listen to KVSC you’re hearing the voices of your community,” said McMullen-Boyer.
KVSC’s spring concert series has featured regional acts including Trampled by Turtles, Doomtree, Har Mar Superstar and Jeremy Messersmith at local venues such as the Paramount Theatre, Red Carpet Nightclub and Pioneer Place on Fifth.
KVSC adds to St. Cloud’s art offerings with Granite City Radio Theatre featuring music, sketch comedy, trivia contests and Shade’s Brigade, a crime noir radio drama, performed in front of a theater audience and broadcasted live from the Pioneer on Fifth Theatre.
KVSC has secured Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage funding to bring the St. Cloud community projects including “Trial by Mob: The Duluth Lynchings,” a radio drama based on Michael Fedo’s book “The Lynchings in Duluth” and speakers such as TyRuben Ellington, a St. Cloud native and St. Cloud State graduate who was a key designer for the movie “Avatar.”
The shows are hosted by students and community volunteers.
The Arts Award was created to recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations whose contributions to the arts have made the St. Cloud community a better place to live.
